Central Asia stands out as exemplary as regards the Literacy Rate comparison of the progress made between 2009 and 2015

According to the regional report CONFINTEA VI Mid-Term Review 2017: The status of adult learning and education in Asia and the Pacific Central Asia stands out as exemplary as regards the Literacy Rate comparison of the progress made between 2009 and 2015.

Adult learning and education (ALE) is a crucial component of lifelong learning that affects every area of the lives of adults and young people. Recent policy developments reflect a wider understanding of the value and usefulness of ALE. If we are to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable world, we must examine the progress made thus far in the field of ALE and find ways to respond to the outstanding challenges, taking into account local and regional contexts. To review progress in ALE across the world more than 400 international stakeholders from 98 countries gathered in Suwon, Republic of Korea, on 25 October 2017 for the Mid-Term Review of the sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI).

The report notes that Central Asia stands out as exemplary as regards the Literacy Rate comparison of the progress made by different regions during the period from 2009 to 2015. The Illiterate youth population (15-24 years) in Central Asia is less than in other regions. It is observed that Central Asia succeeded in reducing the size of female illiterate population by 51 per cent and 31 per cent in 2000 and 2012 respectively. Progress toward gender parity is differs from one region to another. Central Asia has already achieved gender parity for adult literacy rates.

The report underlines the need for a more complex and integrated approach in ALE planning and implementation and gives several recommendations for the five areas of action: policy; governance; financing; participation, inclusion and equity; and quality, together with enhanced regional and international cooperation. Like all regional reports, it includes a variety of examples of good practice in relation to all these areas.